Decarbonization Roadmap – Mineral Resources

The decarbonization roadmap for Portugal’s mineral resources sector aligns with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2050 (RNC 2050). This sector faces significant challenges due to the energy intensity and emissions associated with mineral extraction and processing.

ASSIMAGRA (Portuguese Association of Mineral Resources Industry) is leading initiatives like the ROADTO2050 project, which includes regional workshops and surveys to map emissions and identify decarbonization opportunities. These actions aim to help companies implement cleaner technologies, adopt circular economy practices, and integrate renewable energy sources into their operations.

Key strategies guiding decarbonization in this sector include:

• Emissions reduction: Identifying cost-effective pathways to minimize emissions.
• Low-carbon technologies: Replacing equipment with more efficient, sustainable alternatives.
• Circular economy: Promoting practices that maximize material reuse.
• Education and innovation: Training workers and investing in new technological solutions.

Additionally, the national roadmap emphasizes an integrated approach involving local communities, land managers, and investors. Energy transition, including industrial process decarbonization, is central to meeting Portugal’s climate commitments.

Transforming the Mineral Resources Sector

The roadmap seeks to transform a critical but emissions-intensive industry into a sustainable model:

1. Mapping Emissions and Impacts

Comprehensive analysis of production processes to pinpoint critical emission sources and design targeted mitigation strategies.

2. Sustainable Technologies

ROADTO2050 champions innovative technologies that revolutionize production:

• Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
• Electrifying mobile equipment and adopting low-carbon vehicles.
• Implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems to mitigate emissions in industrial processes.

3. Circular Economy and Waste Management

Circularity is a priority:

• Reusing mineral waste, such as recycled aggregates for construction.
• Encouraging material reuse and waste reduction during extraction and production.

4. Energy Efficiency

Maximizing sustainability through:

• Energy monitoring systems for industrial operations.
• Infrastructure modernization to enhance operational efficiency and cut costs.

5. Capacity Building and Training

Preparing for a sustainable future requires:

• Training workers to transition to clean technologies.
• Raising awareness among companies about sustainability as a competitive advantage in global markets.

6. Financing and Partnerships

The sector benefits from Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) funding to support technological innovation and sustainability investments. Partnerships with technological and research institutions are accelerating the adoption of low-carbon solutions.

Impacts and Goals

• Emission reduction: Progressing towards Net Zero by 2050.
• Global competitiveness: Positioning Portuguese mineral resources as sustainability leaders, opening international markets.
• Environmental protection: Mitigating impacts on soil, water, and biodiversity, often associated with mineral extraction.

Challenges

• High costs: Structural and technological changes require significant investments.
• Balancing development: Aligning mineral exploitation with environmental conservation and community interests.

If you have a project that contributes to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and seeks funding to develop and scale, reach out to us here.